Which of the following is NOT a treatment for gastritis?

The correct response indicates that antibiotics are not typically a treatment for gastritis. Gastritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach lining, can often be managed with medications that reduce stomach acid or neutralize it, helping to alleviate symptoms such as pain or discomfort.

Antacids work by neutralizing acids in the stomach, providing quick relief from discomfort. Cimetidine is an H2-receptor antagonist that reduces acid secretion by blocking histamine receptors, which can be effective in treating gastritis. Proton pump inhibitors are another class of medication that significantly decrease the production of stomach acid, promoting healing of the stomach lining.

In certain cases, if gastritis is caused by an underlying bacterial infection, such as Helicobacter pylori, antibiotics may be used to treat that specific infection. However, antibiotics alone are not a standard treatment for gastritis itself unless there is a confirmed bacterial cause. Thus, the use of antibiotics as a routine treatment for gastritis, without consideration of specific etiologies, is not appropriate.